Keeling Curve Prize 2027

The Keeling Curve Prize 2027 is an annual climate prize run by Climate Curve, a US 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Aspen, Colorado. Ten winners each receive US$50,000 (about ₹47.5 lakh) for active projects that already cut or capture greenhouse gas emissions. Applications close on 15 January 2027 at 11:59 PM IDLW (UTC-12), which is 5:29 PM IST on 16 January 2027, or earlier if the limit of 500 applications is reached.

What the program offers

Each year 10 winners receive US$50,000 (about ₹47.5 lakh) each, a total pool of US$500,000. The Climate Curve page describes the prize as financial support plus visibility, networking and connections to further funding and growth for winners and finalists. They also get access to Climate Curve's fellowship program, where an organisation can request up to three interns a semester. The source does not say how the prize money must be spent, or whether it comes with conditions.

The prize has five categories. Carbon Sinks covers natural or engineered capture, use and storage of greenhouse gases. Energy covers low or zero emission energy, including clean energy access, mini-grids and off-grid solutions. Finance covers financial mechanisms that make emissions reduction and removal work. Social and Cultural Pathways covers changing how people and institutions act on climate. Transport and Mobility covers lower-carbon vehicles, fuels and ways of moving people and goods. You choose one primary category and may list secondary ones, but you can win in only one category in a year.

Who can apply

Entrepreneurs and startups, university research groups, non-profits, community leaders and intrapreneurs inside larger organisations can apply. The key test is that your project is active today and already producing results in reducing, avoiding or capturing greenhouse gases. Past work, unimplemented ideas and untested hypotheses are not accepted. You must quantify the emissions impact and explain how the project can scale, both functionally and financially.

The prize is open worldwide except where US sanctions stop Climate Curve from sending funds. The current list includes Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia and the Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine, and anyone on the US sanctions list for specially designated nationals. India is not on that list, so Indian founders can apply. Applications must be in English, and every question must be answered. Previous winners may apply again only with a new project that uses different methods.

It suits operating climate ventures with measurable data. It does not suit early idea-level concepts or research with no field results.

How to apply

Request an account on the Keeling Curve Prize application portal and log in. Click Apply Now and complete the three tabs: Eligibility, General and Application Questions. You can save and return later, but a saved application that is not submitted is not considered. Upload every supporting file before you submit, because nothing can be added afterwards. A practical tip: keep your own backup copy of every answer, and apply early, since only the first 500 complete, eligible applications are sure to be considered. Applications made with AI tools generating or heavily editing the text are not permitted; limited use for translation or proofing is not banned.

How applications are judged and what happens next

Climate Curve says AI tools are used only to check basic eligibility and completeness. Eligible applications are then reviewed by Climate Curve's analysts, Advisory Council and judges, who score efficiency, scalability and impact. Scores are not shared with applicants. Twenty finalists are announced in spring 2027 and the 10 winners in July 2027.

About Climate Curve

Climate Curve is a non-profit that runs several programs, including the Keeling Curve Prize, a methane prize, a fellowship program and an impact conduit. The prize is named after the Keeling Curve, the long-running record of rising carbon dioxide measured at Mauna Loa since 1958. The 2027 round is described on its site as the tenth annual prize.

Things to check before you apply

• The 500-application limit means the deadline can arrive earlier than 15 January 2027, so do not wait until the last week.
• The deadline time zone is IDLW (UTC-12), the last time zone on Earth, so convert carefully to IST.
• The source does not state an application fee, how winners are paid, or whether travel is expected.
• Read the separate eligibility requirements and FAQ pages on the portal before you start.